LAST year's Mayoress of Berwick has reached the £40,000 target she set for her nominated charity during her year in office.
The sum makes it by far the most successful Mayoress' charity appeal in recent years and the good news is that there is still more money to come in.
"I'm chuffed to bits," said Sandra Evans. "Fundraising for Chemo for Berwick really seems to have ca
ptured the public's imagination and they have really given it tremendous support."
The £40,000 target was reached last week when cheques for £1255 from Berwick and District Motorcycle Club and £570 from Tweedmouth man David Freeburn came in.
The motorcycle club has been raising money at social nights and events throughout the year, while David, who lives at Mordington Avenue, completed a 67-mile sponsored cycle in Newcastle.
All the money goes directly to the newly-established chemotherapy unit at Berwick Infirmary, saving many patients the arduous and time-consuming 120-mile round trip to major hospitals in Newcastle or Edinburgh.
"The money is for all the equipment they need at the unit, whether it be beds, nursing chairs - everything they might need for chemotherapy treatment," said Sandra, who has already handed over the first £35,000.
A fundraising birthday bash for last year's Mayor, Coun Lance Robson, together with a Land's End to John O'Groats challenge being undertaken by a group of bikers, will further swell the coffers.
"I am hoping that by the end of August there will be enough money to buy some gel mattresses which cost around £4000 each," she revealed.
Money will be kept in the pot to offer aromatherapy, foot massage and other therapies to chemotherapy patients.
Sandra is also keen to continue fundraising despite the official end to a year in office she has thoroughly enjoyed.
"It's been a fantastic experience," she said. "I've been to places I could never have dreamed of and met some lovely people.
"I've been absolutely amazed at the response my charity has had from Berwick and the surrounding area.
"It has been great to see the money I've helped raise go towards the upkeep of the new chemotherapy unit and I'm glad I've helped raise its profile over the past year."
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